Conservation Projects Manitoba Delta Marsh Carp Exclusion 2010-11
Goals and Objectives
The project design involves the construction of six strategically placed control structures, along with minor embankment work to ensure integrity. Steel weirs will be constructed across Deep, Cram, Waterhen and Crooked Creeks. These weirs will have removable bar-type barriers spaced at 6-8 centimeters and will be removed each fall to allow fish egress, and replaced late in the spring just prior to the carp spawning run. This operating regime, combined with the appropriate bar spacing, will permit access to spawning pike and walleye in early spring while excluding breeding carp in late spring. Bar structures will be fitted to existing culverts at Delta Channel and Fish Creek, and they will be operated in the same way. Access for commercial harvest of carp will be provided at Fish Creek control. The project’s objective is to significantly improve the productive capability of Delta Marsh for native fish, waterfowl and other wildlife. Based on previous scientific study performed by the University of Manitoba, Ducks Unlimited Canada and Manitoba Conservation, improvement to this important wetland will begin almost immediately following exclusion of the invasive common carp.
Activities
This project began in 2006 with discussion between Manitoba Conservation, the University of Manitoba and Ducks Unlimited Canada. As the conceptual plan developed, additional agencies and individuals were engaged to form a Delta Marsh Restoration Working Group, including The LaSalle Redboine Conservation District, provincial Fisheries Branch, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta Waterfowl Foundation and others. Funding was secured through Manitoba Conservation, Manitoba Water Stewardship and Ducks Unlimited Canada to begin a feasibility study, gather baseline hydrology, habitat and fish access information and develop a conceptual plan. Topographic survey information was collected, and an engineering design was developed in 2009 to design the most effective method of carp exclusion, while allowing access to native fish species and other water dependent wildlife. Research and monitoring of fish species, size and frequency of occurrence began in 2009 with the goal of fine-tuning the design of structures and the timing of operation. Discussions with local interest groups began in 2009, and members of the Delta Marsh Restoration Working Group contacted and met with landowners, commercial fishing interests, cottage owners, the Rural Municipality, hunters and politicians.
Final engineering design and operation schedule will be completed in the winter of 2009-10. Agreements and licenses will be secured in 2010. Materials will be ordered and contractors recruited in fall 2010. Construction will begin in January 2011 and be complete by March 31, 2011. Fundraising from various government and private sources is currently underway, and all funds are expected to be in place by summer, 2010.
Wildlife Habitat Canada funding is requested to augment other agency and private funding for the construction phase of the project which will be complete by March 31, 2011.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
Delta Marsh is estimated at 19,000 hectares, including all bays and adjacent uplands. Further definition of impacted area is required, but the current estimate of wetland area directly affected by this project is 5000 hectares.
Landowner engagement will be approximately 100-200 as cottagers, farmers, fishermen and hunters are consulted.
Agreements will be secured among the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, three private landowners, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the federal government through Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Province of Manitoba.
Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife
Mallard, blue wing teal, northern shoveler, canvasback, redhead, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup, gadwall northern pintail, green wing teal are among the more prevalent species of duck that will benefit from this project. 7-species (MAL, BWT, NOSHO, GWT, GAD, CAN, RED) breeding pair estimates for the area range from 20 to 60 breeding pairs per square mile. The area is also a staging area for tundra swans, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, snow and Ross’ geese. Marsh residents include red-winged blackbird, yellow headed blackbird, great blue heron, American bittern, western grebe and pied-billed grebe. Delta Marsh and the associated beach ridge is a well known migration stopover for many species of passerines and raptors. Fish species that will benefit include pike, yellow perch and walleye.
Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management
In addition to restoring habitat for wildlife, the project will demonstrate the valuable role that wetlands play in purifying water. The project will enhance the economic condition of the area as waterfowl return, and the resultant increase in hunting interest encourages tourism, guiding and outfitting in the area. This wetland value will be clearly demonstrated to local residents and to local, provincial and federal government officials.
This carp exclusion project is considered one element of a comprehensive plan to restore Delta Marsh. Future and concurrent work will include scientific research into the factors contributing to poor water quality, and recommendations for recovery through Beneficial Management Practices. As well, water level management of Lake Manitoba and its effect on Delta Marsh will be studied, and recommendations made. The expansion of hybrid cattail will be investigated and methods tested to control or limit its growth. Also, some additional land will be secured through conservation easement or acquisition to increase security and function of the marsh.
Project Location
The project is located at the southern edge of Lake Manitoba in the RM of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The land is generally flat, dominated by native grassland and wetland vegetation. It is bordered by annual cropland, with potatoes, wheat and canola the predominant crops.
The majority of the marsh is open to migratory game bird hunting, though some lies on private land and would require permission from the landowner. A large portion of the project lies within the Delta Marsh Wildlife Management Area and is open to hunting. A portion of the west marsh is designated as a Game Bird Refuge due to the research work being conducted there by the University of Manitoba.
Delta Marsh is noted as a Ramsar Wetland of International Significance, a Canadian Important Bird Area, a Manitoba Heritage Marsh and a Manitoba Wildlife Management Area.